In September 2004, the cartoon "Howl's Flying Castle" was released. The full-length anime was created by the Japanese studio Ghibli. The director and scriptwriter was Hayao Miyazaki, on whose account dozens of successful animated works.
The anime "Howl's Flying Castle" is based on a novel by British writer Diana Jones. However, as always for his work, Miyazaki substantially changed the plot of the book to bring his version of events to the screen. In 2006, the cartoon was nominated for an Academy Award, but lost to Wallace and Gromit.
Miyazaki noted that when creating the concept of a flying castle, images of the hut on chicken legs from Russian folk tales were used.
Anime "Flying Castle of Howl": the plot
The story unfolds at the end of the nineteenth century. Europe from a parallel world is mired in wars. Technical development and magic are intertwined to create the most terrible weapon.
Sophie's girlfriend lives in this world. She works in a hat shop. From early morning until late at night, she is busy with business. There is no time left even for walks and entertainment. But she does not grieve about this.
The life of a gray mouse completely suits a girl. However, everything turns upside down when one evening she meets with one of the strongest magicians - Howl. After that, she will meet with Saliman, find a flying castle, learn how to live in a new body and much more.
Characters
Well-designed and interesting characters played an important role in the success of the anime “Flying Castle of Haul”. Everything, from the main characters to the passing characters, endowed with character and motivation. That is why in the anime “Flying Castle of Howl” everyone can find a hero to their liking.
Sophie hatter
Sophie is a young eighteen-year-old girl who spends all her free time in a hat store. She is the owner of a soft but persistent character. She believes that in her appearance there is nothing unusual, except for a long dark braid.
One evening, returning from her sister, Sophie came across several drunk soldiers. The men tried to use force against Sophie, but a young man intervened in the situation. He helped Sophie safely get home, using magic several times along the way.
The girl only later realized that on that day she met the owner of the flying castle - Haul. Because of this meeting, the Witch of the Wasteland curses the girl, turning her into a weak old woman. But Sophie does not despair.
She understands that Haul is to blame for her troubles. Therefore, she goes in search of the castle, where she herself appoints a cleaner. After that, unlimited magic, adventure, new acquaintances and love burst into Sophie's life.
Howl
One of the most powerful magicians and the last student of Saliman is considered a demon who devours the hearts of young girls. But in reality, Howl is lonely. As a child, he made a deal with Calcifer and gave him his heart. Because of this, he slowly turns into a demon.
Howl does not see salvation for himself, therefore, without regrets and fear, bursts into the battlefield against a superior army of enemies. Howl knows that he is dying, and therefore is not afraid to fight. But with the appearance in the castle of Sophie, who with her kindness was able to break through the armor of the magician, he begins to believe that even he may have a chance of salvation.
Calcifer
The demon of fire that owns the heart of Haul. In return, he agreed to serve the mage. It is his strength that keeps the castle moving. Although he was showing off his demonic essence, it was Calcifer who invited Sophie to help Haul.
Over the years of his stay at the castle, Calcifer became attached to Haul and other inhabitants. Soon, Sophie became a good friend for him.
Wasteland Witch
This strong sorceress rejected her position and service to the state in order to stay young forever. The witch made a contract with the demon and now all her powers are spent on finding Howl. But Saliman manages to trick the Witch. She breaks the contract and returns the sorceress to her true appearance.
Madame Saliman
Saliman is the chief court magician. She leads all wars. Therefore, it is important for her to attract any strength in order to win the battle. Haul's refusal to participate in hostilities forced Saliman to look for other ways to put pressure on the rebellious wizard.
The main characters are the plot engine of the cartoon. But for secondary characters, there was a niche in the anime. So Hinn, and Markle, and the Scarecrow became those who gave the anime a special charm.